The Namaqualand
Speckled Padloper (Homopus s. signatus)
is successfully kept and bred in a studbook supervised by the Homopus Research
Foundation, in enclosures measuring approximately 1 m2 for three to
four adult specimens. Males have been reported to show aggression amongst each
other, but in some cases they did not. Regardless, it is recommended not to
keep multiple males in breeding groups, as this would obscure genetic
parent-offspring relationships. Males and females can be housed together
year-round. Terraria of keepers functioning within the studbook for the species
have always been decorated to imitate the natural habitat of the tortoises,
with a soil consisting of fine gravel or course sand, wood stumps and (real or
artificial) rocks, and sometimes (live or artificial) plants. It is essential
that multiple hiding places are present, in which the tortoises can retreat.
The animals show a preference for hiding places with a height of slightly over
tortoise shell height, between rocks. The soil layer has to be at least 10 cm
at one site, to allow nesting by females. Enclosures need to be sprayed from
time to time, preferably more often in winter (for instance twice or three
times weekly) than in summer (for instance once weekly very lightly), to
simulate the natural climatic cycle.

Juveniles in the
studbook are being kept successfully in more simple enclosures, starting at
approximately 0.15 m2 for two to three hatchlings. These enclosures are
decorated with the same soil substrate as the adult enclosures and a (natural
or artificial) hiding place. Hatchlings can be kept on newspaper substrate for
the first week. Small and simple enclosures allow better observation and
therefore increase the chance of survival of the tortoises. Juvenile tortoises
need to be sprayed more frequently than adults. A frequency of every other day
for the first year, at least twice weekly for the second, and thereafter as for
the adult tortoises is recommended. Soaking the hatchlings several times weekly
can help to prevent dehydration.

Temperature/illumination

The enclosures
described here are being illuminated by means of tube lights and (halogen or
standard) light bulbs. Illumination may provide UV radiation, but this is not
essential (in the latter case sufficient vitamin D has to be provided in the
diet). Since the light intensity in the natural distribution range is high,
there appears to be no maximum light intensity in captivity. It is recommended
to install at least one tube light for a minimum light intensity, or to provide
natural daylight. The photoperiod needs to be adjusted to the natural
distribution range. This means 13-14 hours in summer and 9-10 hours in winter,
with a gradual shift between these two limits. Climatic cycle can be adjusted
to northern or southern hemisphere.

The light bulbs heat
the enclosures described here, sometimes in combination with soil heating. The
day temperatures need to fluctuate with the season, for instance 30-35°C in summer
and 25-30°C in winter. Night temperature always needs to be lower than day
temperature. There is no minimum night temperature, as long as the temperature
remains above 0°C. The day temperature under a (standard or halogen) spot light
needs to be higher, for instance 40°C or higher, to allow basking. This spot
may be switched off for some time during winter.

Diet

The adult tortoises
in the studbook are mostly being fed with green plant material (Taraxacum, Plantago, endive, chicory, et cetera), supplemented with a
fiber-rich component such as chopped hay several times weekly at some
locations. Feeding can be done every other day. Fruit maybe offered
occasionally (for instance once weekly) in small quantities, but this is not
recommended. When the tortoises are inactive during periods of high
temperatures in summer or low temperatures in winter, frequency of feeding may
be reduced, although it is recommended to continue to offer food as some
tortoises will become active now and then.

Juveniles need to be
fed more frequently, hatchlings every day. This can be reduced to six times
weekly when the tortoises are one year old and every other day after for
instance two years.

It is recommended to
provide drinking water at all times, as the tortoises drink infrequently.

Supplements

The food of
tortoises in the studbook is supplemented with a commercial calcium/vitamin
additive at all feedings.

Situation in the wild and in captivity

Homopus s. signatus is rare in captivity, but not endangered in the wild.
However, the natural distribution range is small and human pressure is
increasing for various reasons. Therefore it is of importance to gather
life-history information on the species as soon as possible (both in the wild
and in captivity), allowing formulation of wildlife management plans if
necessary. The majority of the captive population of this species is registered
in the studbook under supervision of the Homopus Research Foundation.